Queensland Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 80 Years of Music With A Landmark 2027 Season

Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2027, inviting audiences to revel in a monumental program of beloved classics, world-leading musicians and works by some of Australia’s most exciting contemporary voices.

The anniversary season highlights several significant cultural milestones, from a complete Beethoven cycle commemorating 200 years since the composer’s death to the QSO 80: Season Opener, featuring John Adams’ epic Harmonielehre in honour of the composer’s 80th birthday.

QSO’s signature Maestro Series anchors the 2027 season with a grand program of major orchestral works, including Wagner/Maazel’s The Ring Without Words, Sibelius’ Finlandia, Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra and Mahler’s Symphony No.2.

Audience favourites will return including the light and uplifting Music on Sundays series, intimate performances in Studio Sessions at the QSO Studio and a celebration of local and emerging talent through QSO at the Queensland Conservatorium concerts.

The centrepiece QSO 80: Anniversary Gala presents a never-before-seen collaboration between QSO and internationally acclaimed production and design company Dead Puppet Society.

Blending live puppetry and orchestral music, the performance will bring together Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture – one of the first pieces performed by QSO in 1947 – and Stravinsky’s Petrushka (1947 version), alongside a new fanfare by Brisbane-based composer Joseph Twist.

Continuing his longstanding relationship with QSO, William Barton will return to the stage for this milestone event as soloist in Kalkadungu, a work he co-wrote with Matthew Hindson.

QSO Chief Executive Michael Sterzinger said the anniversary season will honour QSO’s rich legacy while looking boldly into the future.

“The 80th anniversary season will honour not only the great masterpieces of the past but also the music of the future.

“Mirroring the ambition of the inaugural season–which featured works by composers from as early as 1551 to the contemporary voices of today – QSO’s 2027 program will feature music spanning nearly five centuries, alongside world premiere performances of new works by Australian composers.

“In 2027, we are commissioning eight new works from five composers, while music by 13 living composers will feature across the season – more than one in five of the 61 composers represented in the program.

“It’s a fitting way to mark 80 years – by celebrating where we have come from, while continuing to create, champion and perform the music that will shape the future of orchestral music in Queensland,” he said.

Cinema takes centre stage with the Stage & Screen program bringing some of the world’s most iconic film music to the Brisbane Convention & Entertainment Centre, including Maestro of the Movies: A Tribute to John Williams. QSO at the Movies will also return with live orchestral screenings of Star Wars: A New Hope and How to Train Your Dragon 2, building on the sell-out success in 2026.

QSO will reinstate their Artist-in-Association role, with soprano and proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji and Wakka Wakka woman Nina Korbe taking on the role in 2027. During the residency, Nina will perform across a diverse program, from Handel’s Messiah and Holst’s The Mystic Trumpeter to contemporary works in QSO’s staple Cinematic program in October.

Mr Sterzinger said Australian talent is at the heart of the 2027 season, with the QSO’s own musicians taking centre stage as soloists in the Portraits series, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent within the orchestra.

Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said QSO’s 2027 season celebrates the extraordinary breadth and depth of the orchestra’s 80-year contribution to Queensland’s vast arts and cultural landscape.

“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support QSO with core organisational funding this year. This investment aligns with priorities of our Queensland’s Time to Shine strategy including arts for all Queenslanders and strengthening Queensland’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

QSO Director – Artistic Planning Matthew Wood said a highlight of the season is Mana Moana, an uplifting concert that mixes gospel, classical and traditional Pasifika musical styles, in collaboration with New Zealand’s Signature Choir.

“Mana Moana is about the ocean as a symbol of connection and heritage, using song and music to explore the powerful relationship that is shared across the Pasifika cultures. It’s a very powerful and fun show; anyone who comes will be on their feet, singing at the top of their voices.”

Mr Wood said the 2027 season places emerging talent alongside familiar favourites, with this focus particularly evident in Rising Stars and the newly introduced Pulse concert series featuring a programme of music by living composers including the world premiere of two QSO commissions.

“Just as we love to celebrate the classics, we’re equally proud to celebrate revolutionary and significant new music,” Mr Wood said.

“It’s easy to forget nowadays how shocking and innovative composers such as Beethoven were to audiences of their day and throughout the year, you’re going to hear more cutting-edge and contemporary music that really shines a spotlight on Australian composers who are living and working today.”

QSO Chief Conductor Umberto Clerici, who will conclude his current tenure at the end of 2027, said the program is a culmination of everything he has achieved in his role at QSO.

“In my time as Chief Conductor, we built up the orchestra and pushed the programming to a more edgy, creative and international level,” Mr Clerici said.

“We prepared the ground, planted the seeds, watered the plant, and now, we are enjoying watching the trees grow into a beautiful forest.

“It requires a lot of pushing to be adventurous in playing and programming, but to me, it’s the only way to offer audiences a deep, exciting experience.

In 2027, QSO will continue its commitment to regional touring, returning to Charleville, Chinchilla, Gladstone, Gold Coast, Mackay, Miles, Roma, Tara, Townsville and Toowoomba to bring live orchestral music and education programs to audiences across the state and furthering a legacy of connection through music.

QSO will also continue its work supporting the next generation of Queensland musicians, providing emerging musicians with opportunities to learn, perform and develop alongside professional members of the orchestra via its QSO Academy, Compose, Young Instrumentalist Prize, and SidebySide program.

QSO’s 2027 subscription packages are on sale from Monday, 28 September at 9am AEST and tickets to select individual concerts are on sale from Monday, 9 November at 9am AEST.

For more information about Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s 2027 Season and to secure the best seats in the house, visit qso.com.au.